The Temptation

by Cheyenne McCray

  Danica smiled as she pushed her long dark hair over her shoulder. “You’re becoming quite the expert now that you’re going out with Darryl.”

  “I’m trying.” Kelsey grinned, her pretty gray eyes lit with excitement. “But I really want to be an expert on the bull rider himself.”

  Danica laughed. “I’ll just bet you will.”

  Kelsey hadn’t grown up on a ranch like Danica had, so to Kelsey, cowboys were a novelty. She’d met Darryl in San Diego at a country western bar and had talked Danica into flying to Las Vegas for a girl’s weekend to check out the bull riding competition. Well, the bull riders for the most part.

  She’d known from the beginning that this was really a girl-and-cowboy weekend. Last thing she wanted to be was a third wheel, so she’d planned to keep herself busy and let Kelsey enjoy her time with Darryl.

  Danica felt her phone vibrate in the pocket of her jeans. She drew it out and saw that she had a text message from Barry.

  Where are you, babe? I stopped by your place and you weren’t home.

  She frowned. “I’m not your babe,” she muttered.

  Kelsey glanced at Danica. “What did you say?”

  “Got a text from Barry.” Danica sighed. “He won’t take a hint. Not even an outright, ‘I don’t want to date. Let’s be friends.’”

  Kelsey shook her head. “Never did understand what you saw in that spoiled little rich boy.”

  “He was actually pretty cool at the start.” Danica pushed hair behind her ear. “He was friendly and fun. I just didn’t see how obsessive he was until after we started dating. Or how arrogant and conceited he really is.”

  He had been the first non-cowboy she’d ever dated, and he might be the last. She rolled her eyes at that thought. That wasn’t fair—not all men were like Barry.

  The announcer shouted, turning her attention back to the event. “Ninety points for Darryl Thompson, making him tonight’s leader.”

  Kelsey clapped her hands and looked at Danica. “That’s a great score.”

  Danica nodded but looked down at her cell phone. “I’d better respond or he’ll never stop sending messages.”

  She drafted a quick message.

  In Las Vegas with Kelsey. Will be home tomorrow.

  After she hit send, Danica raised her eyes and her gaze fixed on the next rider who was preparing to lower himself onto his bull. “Who’s that?”

  “Creed McBride.” She gave Danica a sly smile when Danica glanced at her. “Hot, isn’t he?”

  “Hard to tell.” But something about the cowboy made Danica sit up and take notice. There was an ease and confidence in his bearing that she could feel, even from where she sat. And yeah, when she got a good glimpse of him, he was definitely hot.

  “Defending two-time World Champion, Creed McBride, ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer shouted over more pulse-pounding music. “Today he’s matched up with one of the toughest bulls, Dark Shadow!”

  The chute seemed to explode open as the bull twisted its massive body into the arena, its rider gripping the bull rope. Danica held her breath as the eight-second ride seemed to draw out. The rider made it all look effortless as his body moved in tune with the creature’s bucks and pitches.

  And then the horn was blaring and the rider dismounted. He hit the ground on his side and rolled to his feet, barely missing the bull’s hooves.

  Danica let out her breath with relief when the cowboy avoided getting trampled. Every time a rider got bucked off or dismounted, her body tensed. Despite having four older brothers, all cowboys, she’d never been able to understand a man’s need to put himself in danger like that.

  “Tell you what.” Danica looked at Kelsey. “I don’t think I’d ever be able to date a bull rider. The sport is too dangerous.”

  “Lots of professions are dangerous,” Kelsey said. “Police officers face danger every day.”

  Danica shrugged. “That’s different.”

  Kelsey rolled her eyes. “Come on, Danica. Don’t worry so much.”

  “You know I’m not a worrier.” Danica gave a laugh. “I just don’t want to date someone who could end up hospitalized from being trampled by an animal that weighs two thousand pounds.”

  With a shake of her head, Kelsey said, “Hard to believe a cowgirl like you wouldn’t want to date a cowboy like that.”

  Danica decided to change the subject. “How are the rides scored?”

  “Four judges score both the bull and the rider and each judge gets a total of fifty points,” Kelsey said. “Each of the judges can award up to twenty-five points for the bull and twenty-five points for the rider. They combine the points from the four judges and then divide that in half to come up with the rider’s score. From what Darryl told me, no one has ever received a hundred points in the Professional Bull Riders organization. I think somewhere around ninety-six or so is the highest ever awarded.”

  Her phone vibrated again and she looked down at the phone.

  Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving? Call me when you get back.

  Danica ground her teeth and tucked the phone away in her pocket again. She didn’t intend to respond again and she didn’t intend to call when she returned to California.

  “Ninety-two point ride for Creed McBride.” The announcer’s voice cut through her thoughts. “That puts him over the top into first place and makes him champion!”

  Danica clapped along with everyone else. Creed waved his black western hat and the crowd cheered even more.

  “So you’ll come tonight?” Kelsey asked when Danica turned to her.

  “If you insist.” Danica smiled at her friend.

  “I insist.” Kelsey searched the arena with her gaze obviously looking for Darryl. “Maybe you’ll get to meet Creed.”

  “Oh be still my heart.” Danica held her hand over her heart then laughed. “I wouldn’t say that is a must-do on my list.”

  “Just you wait.” Kelsey gestured to Creed who was now talking to someone in the ring. “That looks like one cowboy worth getting to know.”

  * * * * *

  “No thank you.” Danica turned down yet another offer from a cowboy to buy her a drink.

  After she declined, she dismissed the cowboy with a genuine smile. She moved away to search the room with her gaze for Kelsey. She held onto her beer bottle as she moved through the crowd.

  The bar was packed with men and women in western attire and a country-western band had been playing familiar tunes all night. She liked that the slot machines were outside the bar and the constant ringing and cha-ching of machines wasn’t competing with the good music.

  She’d caught herself lightly tapping her boot since she’d come into the bar, but she hadn’t been in the mood to dance. Usually she did, but tonight she had a headache that alcohol hadn’t been able to kick. Thank goodness smoking had been banned from bars and restaurants in Las Vegas or her headache would have magnified.

  Her gaze slid past Creed who had three women around him. Kelsey had called the women buckle bunnies, female groupies. From what she’d seen, the groupies tended to wear tight jeans and boots with skimpy tops and bright, flashy accessories like a belt with a big buckle that had lots of dazzle.

  She moved her gaze away from the cowboy and groupies then spotted her petite friend who was leaning against Darryl, her hand on his chest, looking into the tall cowboy’s eyes. It was a sweet, romantic picture the way he was looking at her. Danica hoped Kelsey wouldn’t get her heart broken. She’d been through far too much and she deserved a good guy. Danica had met him earlier in the night when Kelsey had introduced them. He seemed okay, but she’d reserve judgment for later.

  Her cell phone had vibrated in her pocket three separate times. She was sure they were messages from Barry, so she didn’t bother to look.

  From the corner of her eye, she found herself looking at Creed. This time a woman who looked upset was talking with him and the buckle bunnies were gone. He reached up and brushed something from beneath her eye wit
h his thumb. He said something to her and she nodded, then turned and walked in Danica’s direction. The woman bumped into Danica, nearly making her drop her beer bottle.

  Danica took a step back and shook her head. She looked at Darryl and Kelsey again. They really did look like a cute couple. She glanced away from the pair to check her watch. It was still early but she really wasn’t in the mood to party. Maybe she’d tell Kelsey about her headache and that she was going to head up to their suite in the casino resort hotel that was on the strip. She wouldn’t mind a bath in the amazing jetted tub.

  “Heading off so early?” The deep drawl caught her attention. She immediately loved the male voice and turned to find herself facing Creed McBride.

  She raised her brows. “Who says I’m leaving?”

  He gave a slow, sexy grin. “Honey, you’ve been trying to head out that door all night.”

  Her face warmed. “You’ve been watching me?”

  “Ever since you walked into the room.” He searched her gaze. “Just waiting for a chance to catch your attention. I don’t think there’s a cowboy in this place who hasn’t offered to buy you a drink.”

  She studied his eyes. He had dark hair and nice eyes that were a gorgeous shade of green. “Who’s to say I’m not going to send you packing?”

  His gaze held hers. “I’m hoping my luck will hold out. I think this is the longest conversation you’ve had with any cowboy you’ve met tonight.”

  Amusement sparked in his eyes as he spoke. He had that same ease and confidence in his manner in person as she’d seen before he’d ridden that bull and even after his ride.

  He was about as tall as her four brothers, around six-two, but a little younger—she’d guess about thirty-three. His white shirt and Wrangler jeans fit him oh-so-well, and his white western hat was tilted up enough that she could study his eyes. He was definitely hot in an alpha male, bad boy kinda way.

  “I’m Creed McBride.” He held out his hand.

  “My name is Danica and you’re right, I’m heading up to my room.” She smiled as she took his hand. “Nice meeting you,” she added but couldn’t get herself to turn away. In fact she had a hard time getting herself to release his hand. His grip was firm and warm, his hand callused from hard work.

  It was probably only seconds but it seemed as though it carried on longer before she finally drew back her hand.

  “Pretty name.” He looked like he wanted to touch her again to keep her from leaving but held himself back. She didn’t know why she thought he did, but she could almost feel the brush of his fingers against her cheek even though he hadn’t reached for her at all. He studied her and she felt warmth go through her at the intensity in her look. “I bet you’re told all of the time what gorgeous blue eyes you have. Such a brilliant blue,” he said.

  “Is that a pick-up line?” She raised an eyebrow.

  “You know it’s not.” He smiled. “It’s an observation.”

  It was true that she got that all of the time. She and her four brothers had the same eye color and her aunt called them “Cameron blue”.

  “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to two-step with me?” Creed gave a nod to the dance floor. “I haven’t had a chance to dance all night.”

  She wanted to ask him why not when gorgeous women had surrounded him all night, or the other woman he’d been talking with, but she didn’t want him to know that he’d captured her attention tonight, more than once. Fortunately, she didn’t think he’d caught her at it.

  Darryl came up to Creed’s side and he put his arm around Creed’s neck. “Do you know who you’re talkin’ to?” Darryl raised his beer bottle with his opposite hand. “You should be damned impressed. This is Creed McBride, two-time world bull riding champion.”

  Creed looked uncomfortable and Danica’s lips twisted with amusement as she teased him. “I’m impressed by a lot of things, but riding an animal out to kill you isn’t one of them. I’m more impressed by the person.”

  “Felt the heat on that one.” A slight grin curved the corner of Creed’s mouth, obviously knowing she was teasing, and he disengaged from Darryl. “Why don’t you go find that cute little blonde you’ve been with all night?” he said to Darryl.

  Darryl turned his gaze on Danica and slowly looked her up and down. Disgust flowed through her at the blatant way he was undressing her with his gaze. “What about this sexy thing?” He grinned. “Danica, right?”

  “Yes.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Best friend to Kelsey Richards. Where is she, by the way?”

  Darryl jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “She’s waiting for me by the bar.”

  Danica put her hands on her hips. “I think I might need to go have a talk with her.”

  “Just havin’ a little fun.” Darryl straightened. “I best be getting back to Kelsey.”

  Danica frowned, wondering if she should go have a talk with her friend. But then Danica wondered if maybe she was reading too much into the way he’d been looking at her.

  Darryl touched the brim of his hat. “Ma’am,” he said politely, his demeanor completely changed. Darryl slapped Creed on the shoulder then turned and headed toward the bar where Danica caught a glimpse of Kelsey.

  “Come on.” Creed indicated that dance floor with a nod. “Give this cowboy a dance.”

  The only indecision that warred within her was the thought of getting to know him better, maybe even liking him, when she’d already decided that she wouldn’t want to date a bull rider. Not that dancing with him meant that he even wanted a relationship with her.

  Against her better judgment, she found herself nodding. “All right.”

  He flashed a smile at her and took her by the hand. She set her beer bottle on a table as they passed by and then they were on the dance floor.

  It was a lively two-step and they fell into the dance as if they’d been doing it together forever. She’d been country-western dancing since she was a little girl and it was obvious he was plenty experienced, too.

  When the one dance was over, another tune started right away and he swung her into a country waltz. She found herself laughing as they danced and then she realized her headache had vanished. Every touch of his hands sent warmth throughout her body. Or was that just the heat of her skin from dancing?

  She was ready to walk off the dance floor the moment the next song struck up, a slow tune, but Creed took her by the hand then brought her into his arms, catching her off guard. She braced her palms on his shoulders to keep him from holding her too close. He leaned down to whisper in her ear.

  His warm breath caused a shiver to run through her as he murmured, “Thank you for the dances.”

  She swallowed, trying to not let his closeness affect her…the solidness of his body, his masculine scent, and the heat of his large hands at her waist. She cleared her throat but couldn’t get anything out.

  “I’d like to see you again,” he said close to her ear.

  She drew back and gave him a skeptical look. “You’re a bull rider. You don’t stay in one place for too long.”

  “Long enough,” he said. “Where are you from?”

  “I’m from southern Arizona, in the San Rafael Valley,” she said. “But I now live in San Diego.”

  “There you go.” He gave her a little grin. “We do have something in common. I’m from just north of Phoenix, in Kirkland, between Prescott and Wickenburg.” He touched a lock of her long, dark hair. “What’s an Arizona country girl doing in San Diego?”

  “I work as a research associate at the University of California,” she said. “In our department we do breeding maintenance, genotyping, cloning, and other related projects.”

  “I’m impressed.” He continued to lightly play with her hair. “Did you go to the University of Arizona?”

  She nodded. “Yes.”

  “I graduated from the U of A twelve years ago,” he said with a grin. “I’d bet you were at least eight years behind me.”

  “Something like that.” She
smiled. “What was your major?”

  “Animal Sciences.”

  The song ended, surprising her. The time had passed faster than she’d expected.

  “I’d better go,” she said as they drew apart.

  “Why?” He walked beside her as she left the dance floor.

  “It’s getting late.” And she was becoming far too interested in this bull rider.

  He caught her by her hand and drew her to a stop. “Sure I can’t talk you into a drink?”

  “You already talked me into dancing with you.” She smiled. “But no, not a drink.”

  “Give me your phone number,” he said. “I want to see you again.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t date bull riders.”

  With a laugh he said, “Why not?”

  “It’s too dangerous a sport,” she said. “I’d be worried all the time.”

  “You’d worry about me?” He had that sexy grin again.

  Somehow she felt off-balance by his reply. “I suppose I would, if we were dating. Which isn’t a possibility because, like I said, I don’t date bull riders.”

  “Why don’t you give me a chance?” he said. “I’ll show you that you don’t have to worry about me.”

  She put her hands on her hips. “How many bones have you broken over the years? How many concussions have you had? How many times have you had to be stitched up?”

  He winced.

  “Or,” she went on, “maybe you should just tell me what bones you haven’t broken. Yet.”

  He shook his head. “It’s not as bad as it sounds.”

  “Oh?” She folded her arms across her chest. “How many times have you ridden even when you were injured rather than waiting for those bones and injuries to heal?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “More times than you can count, I’ll bet.”

  He laughed and raised his hands. “Aw, come on, Danica. Just give me a chance.”